Bo Peep Chic

This year’s warm-weather looks are characterized by something that hasn’t been seen in a while: full frontal fabric. Or, at the very least, covered-up biceps, cleavage, and tummies, which had been laid bare by the tanks and slip dresses of previous seasons. But whatever the comforts and flaw-disguising advantages of these fashions, they also bear, for many, a significant downside: the sheer amount of lace, ruffles, and bows as embellishments. Indeed, some of the dresses paraded down runways could have been mistaken for extra-large christening gowns.

Fashion writers at The New York Times and Washington Post penned screeds on the trend, accusing designers of, once again, infantilizing adult women. (The fact that this new generation of dresses comes in an array of bright, girlish patterns only bolstered their argument.) Others welcome the baby-doll and potato-sack dresses as much-needed, even merciful alternatives to the clingy knits and spaghetti straps that had ruled of late. But take heed, Ms. Pear Shapes: breasts and potbellies may be getting a reprieve, but all eyes are now on the legs; the hems of many dresses this year ride precariously high on the thigh. However, the modest (not to mention practical) Midwestern woman looks right past all the frippery and its attendant controversy. Faced with an inordinately high hemline, she simply pulls on pants.

Read Christy DeSmith’s fashion blog.